New boat licensing rules mean renewals, fees for Saskatchewan boaters

Shelby Rushton, CEO of the Lifesaving Society Saskatchewan, said the change brings boat licensing more in line with other types of registration Canadians are familiar with.

“So, think of that as similar to how we have to get a licence for our car or our vehicle,” Rushton said.

She noted the distinction between a pleasure craft licence and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card – the latter being required for anyone actually driving a boat.

“You cannot operate a boat without your Pleasure Craft Operator card,” she said. “That card tells the law that you’ve gone through a safety course and that you have certain competencies in knowing the rules of the water.”

Those rules include safe speeds near shore, how to pass other boats, towing regulations and how to respond in an emergency.

While some boaters may be frustrated by the shift from lifetime licences to five-year renewals, Rushton said fees and renewals are common across many forms of transportation.

When the federal government made the announcement about the changes back in December, officials said the updated system is intended to improve safety and environmental protection by ensuring ownership information remains accurate and up to date, something that can be critical in search and rescue situations.

Boat owners are also now required to update their personal information within 30 days of any change, down from the previous 90-day window.

Rushton encouraged Saskatchewan boaters to check the status of their licence ahead of the busy summer months and ensure they also carry a valid operator card before heading out on the water.

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card remains valid for life.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

New boat licensing rules mean renewals, fees for Saskatchewan boaters

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